Give me your BEST natural hair advice!

PinkSunshine77 · May 31, 2014

southerncitygirl said:
PinkSunshine77

This isn't true.. I rely use heat and keep my hair twisted or in twistouts. I rely moisture/seal (or LCO) and use hydrolyzed hardcore protein at least once a month as well. I also don't have fine strands, they are more medium. I wash in sections and detangle my wet hair with a shower comb with a leave-in that has tons of slip.

Many of the ladies on this forum who flatiron and have crappy results is not just because of technique but their ends look chewed up. I have notcied ppl seem to be scared to say anything to them for fear of being attacked or feelings getting hurt but that's a whole other thread When hair is exposed to the elements ( heat, sun,low/humidity, etc.) This is still wear & tear on your strands.

The only folks can can seem to go long periods without trimming seem to have thick, coarse, resistant strands (think naptural85 or haircrush from youtube or Lucie from this forum)

I suggest that ppl not go the route of trimming infrequently because its not worth trying to grow out 3-7 inches of hair without trimming if you are going to have to cut 3-5 cause you only trim 1-2 times a year. It is very difficult to see what's going on with your ends when you wear your hair textured and it often can feel like there are no issues which is why trimming flatironed or blowdried hair is important. A 1/8-1/4 inch every 3 months will not hurt your retention in fact it may help it. I went to years of infrequent trimming and stayed stuck at APL for years even with tweaking various parts of my reggie. I had a setback recently with not trimming cause my stylist of more than 8yrs was MIA and I was on the hunt for a new one, my hair is cut in layers so I like to keep the shape even when I get just a dusting. I needed a trim in January and couldn't find a new stylist via a referral until March so my hair went from btw BSL/MBL back up to APL. Its ok because I know it will grow back and my new stylist is far more competent.

this isn't true for YOU. Everybody's hair is different, don't tell people to cut inches off of their hair for no reason solely because it works for YOU

claud-uk · May 31, 2014

PinkSunshine77 said:
this isn't true for YOU. Everybody's hair is different, don't tell people to cut inches off of their hair for no reason solely because it works for YOU

You said it - the poster was saying what works for her. The OP asked people for their (singular) best advice - it wasn't a poll trying to determine what MOST people agreed on. So, the poster was giving her advice - just like you feel you are giving yours.

erplexed I'm just saying.

blackmaven · May 31, 2014

Things naturals should have on hand
Wide tooth comb
Spray bottles(3)
Coconut Oil
Almond Oil
Olive Oil
Jojoba Oil
Moisturizer
Deep Conditoner
Shea butter
Satin wraps & satin pillow
Pretty Scarves (several in case you are having a bad hair day)

A few homemade recipes which have stood the test of time from hair idols or members.
Leave In
Kimmaytube is good for natural hair
http://www.youtube.com/user/kimmaytube?feature=chclk
2 tbsp Knot Today Leave-In
2 tbsp Aloe Vera Juice (Trader Joes pH 4.0)
2 tsp jojoba oil
2 tsp castor oil
MIX WELL
Refrigerate Leftovers
********RECIPE ******** "Kimmaytube's Leave-In Conditioner Recipe"
2 tablespoons of YOUR preferred conditioner (silicone free) knot today,giovani leave in cond,
2 tablespoons of (Whole leaf version) Aloe Vera Juice with a pH 4.0 or 4.5 (aloe ver gel)
2 teaspoons of Castor Oil (optional. I sometimes do without it)
2 teaspoons of Jojoba Oil
Mix well.
This mixture should be applied to wet, freshly washed hair. Feel free to substitute the oils. The most IMPORTANT part of this mixture is the pH balance. Make sure that it is at least 4.5 ph. pH strips can be purchased from http://www.luvnaturals.com All other ingredients can be found in most local health food stores. Enjoy!
[FONT=&quot]A tip for the aloe vera juice:
Since it comes in such a large quantity & spoils so easily, I freeze it in ice cube trays & then store the cubes in a freezer bag.
Kimmaytube leave in alternative

[/FONT]How to preserve homemade mixtures Desaundrea's video breaks it down ladies.
[FONT=&quot]Always remember Use Shea Butter and Oils to seal moisturized hair in the morning and at night.[/FONT]
********How to Preserve Shea Butter Homemade Mixture**** ****
Preserve all your mixes for hair & skin Micros and bacteria start to form within 2- to 4 hours of you making mix. You will see mold in 3 to 5 days of you do not add a preservative
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THSkQLyDQ5Q
Listed below are Preservatives To Use For Butter mixtures (I use Vitamin E & Tea Tree oil )
Vitamin E 400 IU-1400 IU – Ant fungus-Antibacterial Agent Few drops
Tea Tree Oil-(will retard Mold) Anti-fungal& Antibacterial Agent Stops fungus from forming, 1 tsp or 1/ tsp
Honey (raw) - Antibacterial agent, 1 ½ tsp
Grape seed Extract-Multiplatform Antifungal, Anti bacteria, Antiviral, Antimicrobial
Rosemary oil- Antifungal and Antibacterial Agent cleanses plus gets rid of bacterial that may be sitting around (Qtip on scalp) 1 tsp to 5 cups
Sage oil- Antifungal & Antibacterial Agent cleanses plus gets rid of bacterial that may be sitting around 1 tsp to 5 cups
Neem Oil – Aryvedic Antibacterial and Antimicrobial.
[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]
Best of luck grow strands grow :grin:

prettypithy · May 31, 2014

Honestly? Leave it alone. Let it grow. Once a base line of health is established, it almost doesn't matter what products you use, how frequently you wash/co-wash/deep condition. Honestly, I've scarcely even been covering my head lately and it is is growing faster than ever before.

No one wants to hear "leave it alone, ignore it, do nothing" because everyone wants to enjoy their hair to the fullest (me, too!). But ultimately, the best thing for your natural hair will be to avoid manipulation as mechanical damage is what harms our progress the most -- at least for me!

prettypithy · May 31, 2014

Damn, time to update my signature and profile pic -- I've been off this site for a long time and my hair looks pretty different!

Aviah · May 31, 2014

Low manipulation, gentle detangling, a good moisturizer, regular DCs and low heat may just be what the doctor ordered.

leigh.hill · May 31, 2014

southerncitygirl said:
Trim/dust 1/8- 1/4 inch every 3-4 months....its not worth determining whether your hair can go longer and having a major setback, I speak from repeated experience as it too me a while to connect the dots.

Wash sections of at least 4-6 loose plaits/twists to minimize tangling.

Detangle hair when damp or wet with a wide tooth shower comb or paddle brush and a leave-in condish with slip. I only comb/detangle on wash day.

Do a treatment incorporating hydrolyzed proteins at least every 4-6 weeks cause they penetrate the strand and adhere to the hair longer than homemade treatments using yogurt, eggs, mayo, etc.

Trim your hair when blowdried straight or flatironed so you can see what your ends truly look like.

Leave your hair alone and do the bare minimum for maximum retention.

Incorporate ceramides into your regimen.

Moisturize and seal (or LCO/LOC if you desire) your hair at least 1-3 times a week if its not flatironed (straight hair may revert)

Less is more with your reggie, create one and stick to it!

Figure out what ingredients your hair loves and don't stray or deviate from them!

Preach sista! :yep:

I forgot alllllll about ceramides. I need to refresh my memory.

MissCrawford · May 31, 2014

LEAVE IT ALONE!!!! and moisturize............

PinkSunshine77 · Jun 1, 2014

claud-uk said:
You said it - the poster was saying what works for her. The OP asked people for their (singular) best advice - it wasn't a poll trying to determine what MOST people agreed on. So, the poster was giving her advice - just like you feel you are giving yours.

erplexed I'm just saying.

EDITED RESPONSE

*I'm going to hold my peace and keep this thread bumped*

PinkSunshine77 · Jun 1, 2014

Have confidence about your hair, even when you don't feel it looks the best, own it like it is the best looking hair on the planet.

Maracujá · Jun 1, 2014

Check this thread out OP: http://www.longhaircareforum.com/showthread.php?t=612917&highlight=struggling+natural

I've already scheduled some days to go through it, alot of the things we go through with our natural hair is discussed there.

mz.rae · Jun 1, 2014

Do what works for YOU! If straightening your hair every week or every other week works for you and you're retaining length, keep doing it. If using grease, straight mineral oil, whatever works for you then keep doing it. If you find something that works for you keep rolling with it despite what those on a forum, blog, or YouTube channel have to say. You will save yourself from a lot of frustration that way.

Take your time and have fun with the journey, you aren't going to get everything at once. So just enjoy your journey for what its, and love each stage you go through.

Alta Angel · Jun 1, 2014

Using a cheapie conditioner mixed with olive oil BEFORE I wash my hair to detangle.
After hair is detangled, putting hair in eight loose braids to keep each section detangled. I then condition in sections, apply the LOC method in sections, etc.

That changed my whole wash day experience. It's all about the sections for me!

Solila · Jun 1, 2014

Try everything. Once you've found what works for your hair, get rid of everything else. lol

SimplyWhole · Jun 1, 2014

Try using the one entire line of products. I believe they complement each other. My hair never stayed moisturized for 3 years until I started using the Philip Kingsley products. I ran out of conditioner and my hair is suffering while I wait for my shipment from the UK.

My benefits - moisture, less shrinkage, no breakage, and less to no shedding, detangling is a non issue

Getting ready to sell all my other products

leigh.hill · Jun 2, 2014

SimplyWhole said:
Try using the one entire line of products. I believe they complement each other. My hair never stayed moisturized for 3 years until I started using the Philip Kingsley products. I ran out of conditioner and my hair is suffering while I wait for my shipment from the UK. My benefits - moisture, less shrinkage, no breakage, and less to no shedding, detangling is a non issue Getting ready to sell all my other products

I am trying to do this with BeeMine. LOVE the deep conditioner. Trying other BeeMine products with similar ingredients (yet another piece of advice ;-) from this thread.

PinkSunshine77 · Jun 3, 2014

Here's some good advice I got. When you first go natural, don't run out and buy a bunch of new products. Stick with the ones you used while relaxed and watch how your natural hair reacts to them. The ones that work, keep. The ones that don't, chuck. Wave Nouveau finishing mist and lotion work so much better on my natural hair.

Misseyl · Jun 3, 2014

charmtreese said:
My best advice is:

1. Finger detangling is everything...I do not go strand by stand like some ladies do that finger detangling, but I do very gently detangle my hair with my fingers in 8 sections. detangle is something I do throughout the wash process so it's okay if I do not get all of the tangles out during my pre-poo, I still have to cleanse, treat, deep condition, and apply leave-ins.
2. Find products that work for your hair - I give things one chance and one chance only...if my hair does not respond well Im moving on. Take that mess back to the store!
3. Once you find your products and a regimen that works, stick to it - DO NOT CHANGE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU BASED ON WHAT A SUPPOSED HAIR GURU SAYS!!! However, to add spice you can introduce new products or techniques one at a time to see how you like them....they may work if not move on!
4. If you have fine hair find a reconstructing conditioner or protein conditioner that you like and use it regularly. This helps combats breakage!!
5. In the beginning you are going to have to assess your hair to see what it likes and what it doesn't like. I would no recommend hiding it in weaves or braid extensions for a long period of time...you want to get to know it and find out what works, that could be hard to do in long term PS.[/QUOTE]

[the bold] How true. Two years ago I wore braids for 2 years and six months, had a decent amount of hair/length but I did not know what to do with it. I wore it natural for a couple of days then grabbed the relaxer. Wish I know what I know now because I wouldn't be starting over. Anyway, I guess I wasn't ready.

Anyway, my best advice for natural hair is keep it moisturized.

MarieB · Jun 5, 2014

SimplyWhole said:
Try using the one entire line of products. I believe they complement each other. My hair never stayed moisturized for 3 years until I started using the Philip Kingsley products. I ran out of conditioner and my hair is suffering while I wait for my shipment from the UK.

My benefits - moisture, less shrinkage, no breakage, and less to no shedding, detangling is a non issue

Getting ready to sell all my other products

I have been doing this for the past few months with the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus line (pink label). I can't use everything or my hair will fall out, but I have been slowly learning what my hair likes in terms of both product and practice. So far, so good. Even my bad hair days are better then my old bad hair practice, see-through ends days.

wheezy807 · Jun 5, 2014

Misseyl said:
charmtreese said:

My best advice is:

1. Finger detangling is everything...I do not go strand by stand like some ladies do that finger detangling, but I do very gently detangle my hair with my fingers in 8 sections. detangle is something I do throughout the wash process so it's okay if I do not get all of the tangles out during my pre-poo, I still have to cleanse, treat, deep condition, and apply leave-ins.
2. Find products that work for your hair - I give things one chance and one chance only...if my hair does not respond well Im moving on. Take that mess back to the store!
3. Once you find your products and a regimen that works, stick to it - DO NOT CHANGE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU BASED ON WHAT A SUPPOSED HAIR GURU SAYS!!! However, to add spice you can introduce new products or techniques one at a time to see how you like them....they may work if not move on!
4. If you have fine hair find a reconstructing conditioner or protein conditioner that you like and use it regularly. This helps combats breakage!!
5. In the beginning you are going to have to assess your hair to see what it likes and what it doesn't like. I would no recommend hiding it in weaves or braid extensions for a long period of time...you want to get to know it and find out what works, that could be hard to do in long term PS.[/QUOTE]

[the bold] How true. Two years ago I wore braids for 2 years and six months, had a decent amount of hair/length but I did not know what to do with it. I wore it natural for a couple of days then grabbed the relaxer. Wish I know what I know now because I wouldn't be starting over. Anyway, I guess I wasn't ready.

Anyway, my best advice for natural hair is keep it moisturized.

Click to expand...

Yep Misseyl ita with getting to know your hair. This is the sole reason i didn't want to be a long term transitioner. Yeah, i know what to do with long hair....long, relaxed hair that is. I need to grow with my hair.

wheezy807 · Jun 5, 2014

PinkSunshine77 said:
Have confidence about your hair, even when you don't feel it looks the best, own it like it is the best looking hair on the planet.

PinkSunshine77 I think this is the BEST advice ever! Even though they may only see this nappy --- twa, i see the bigger picture. I know what i'm doing (mostly) and i already envisioned the ending result. Accept your hair and love it!

tapioca_pudding · Jun 5, 2014

Protein is not the enemy. Too much protein is.

Wildchild453 · Jun 5, 2014

Embrace frizz. Your hair will never be frizz free so learn to love it. It will save you a lot of heartache.

JudithO · Jun 5, 2014

Don't feel the pressure to go or stay natural... If your hair is giving you grief, making you lose confidence change it.. cut it, relax it, color it... Hair always grows and no matter what you do, it will grow back.

Lucky's Mom · Jun 6, 2014

Do what works for you.
Period.

I use 5 products. I keep things easy. And - that is after many years of figuring it out.
Good Luck!

tjrj1998 · Jun 6, 2014

Im going to co-sign not trimming often. Most women dont know how much they grow a month and if you are trimming too often then you are cutting off all growth. If you have to trim often AND you are being careful with heat and manipulation THEN the problem is what ever you are sealing with is NOT strong enough.

Another thing, unless you are going to a stylists trained in cutting hair, then you are more than likely going to have more than you asked for taken off.
I only go to super cuts. I ask for 1/2 inch and that is all I get taken off. (Yes Ive taken a bit home and measured myself)

My dd always had split ends and I was a s&D machine. I started sealing with grease (Dax pressing oil: ingredients: petroleum, castor oil and evoo) Now her splits are a thing of the past.
2 days out the week she uses water mixed with jojoba oil and seals with spectrum shortening. Oils are not enough for her to seal with.

I havent seen any split ends since I started doing this in JUne and I am finally starting to see length retention.

My cousin always complained that her hair stayed the same length. Since Ive started taking over her hair I can see why. The stylists was cutting off all her growth.

tjrj1998 · Jun 6, 2014

Lucky's Mom said:
Do what works for you.
Period.

I use 5 products. I keep things easy. And - that is after many years of figuring it out.
Good Luck!

YESSSSS!!!!!!
I use 4 and things have been going really really well.
Shampoo, detangle in the shower, apply conditioner, let it dry a bit and then apply authentic argan oil.

When I wake up in the morning I spritz with distilled water mixed with argan oil, finger fluff and go. My hair is growing nicely and I'm extremely pleased.

I strayed once and used water mixed with glycerin. My hair was not having it and quickly rebelled by drying feeling like a haystack by the end of the week. I quickly threw that crap in the trash.

I don't think its necessary to take hours to do ones hair unless its an intricate style.
When I read some of these regimens I cringe.

gn1g · Jun 10, 2014

keep a wig for bad hair days. Natural hair can be time consuming.

Kinky4Agirl · Jun 10, 2014

naturalmanenyc said:
Just because a stylist has natural hair doesn't mean you should let them touch your head. Know when to get up and walk out.

I've made this mistake myself, presuming that someone with a head full of curls similar to my mine would know how to handle my hair. Hmph. Those are the ones who ripped through my hair the worst. In the past I would sit there and deal with it. Now that I know better, I have walked out of a salon with a head full of wet hair.

Just curious, did you pay her anything??? :lol:

Kinky4Agirl · Jun 10, 2014

And to the OP... IF your hair is short, you might want to wet it before doing anything to it every morning. I can't speak about long natural hair because when I was natural my hair was still short when I decided to go back to a relaxer. But when I was natural my hair was a kinky tangled mess if it was dry. I had to wet and moisturize it every morning.

Give me your BEST natural hair advice!

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